Landscape light

ABSTRACT

A landscape light including a housing including a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment being substantially weather-proofed and the second compartment being in fluid communication with an exterior of the housing, a light source producing a light disposed in the first compartment, and a heatsink for dissipating heat generated by the light source disposed in the second compartment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/449,549, filed on Mar. 3, 2017, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/280,315, filed onSep. 29, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/142,789, filed on Apr. 29, 2016, which is acontinuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/801,458, filedon Jul. 16, 2015, which claims the benefit of the U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/025,344, filed on Jul. 16, 2014. Theseapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to lighting devices, and moreparticularly to an improved landscape lighting apparatus.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,641,345 and 8,057,045 to Johnson describes a projectionapparatus for generating a moving star field and a cloud-like effectcomprising a means for generating a cloud-like effect using at least onenon-coherent light source, a means for generating a moving star fieldusing at least one coherent light source and a means for regulating andsupplying electric power. The means for generating cloud-like effectusing at least one non-coherent light source comprises at least one pairof condenser lenses and an interferential filter wheel rotated by amotor, disposed between at least one pair of condenser lenses. The meansfor generating the moving star field using a coherent light sourcecomprises a grating wheel rotated by a motor and a diffractive opticalelement disposed between the at least one coherent light source and thegrating wheel.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,537 to Johnson describes a laser landscape lightingapparatus for use in accent lighting applications for landscapes andoutdoor venues. In one embodiment, the laser landscape lightingapparatus includes a coherent light source in combination with adiffractive optical element and optionally a diffraction grating wheel.The diffractive optical element may be, for example, a holographicoptical element. In some embodiments, the laser landscape lightingapparatus includes a temperature-controlled integral derivative system.In one application, the laser landscape lighting apparatus may project astatic or movable star field.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention can provide a landscape light. Thelandscape light can include a housing including a first compartment anda second compartment, the first compartment being substantiallyweather-proofed and the second compartment being in fluid communicationwith an exterior of the housing, a light source producing a lightdisposed in the first compartment; and a heatsink for dissipating heatgenerated by the light source disposed in the second compartment.According to certain exemplary embodiments, the second compartment caninclude vents. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the heatsinkcan be in the thermal communication with the at least one light source.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the landscape light canfurther include a pattern assembly including at least one patterngenerator secured in a path of the light such that the light passingthrough the at least one pattern generator is projected onto a surfacein a pattern defined by the at least one pattern generator. Thelandscape light can also include an articulation assembly configured toarticulate the laser light on the surface onto which the laser light isbeing projected.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the light source inthe landscape light can be a light emitting diode. According to certainembodiments, the light source can include a plurality of light emittingdiodes.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the landscape light canfurther include a switch to control an operation of the light source.According to other exemplary embodiments, the landscape light canfurther include a motor configured to rotate the at least one patterngenerator such that the motor imparts movement to the light passingthrough the at least one pattern generator. According to embodiments ofthe present invention, the speed of the movement of the pattern assemblyis adjustable.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the landscape light caninclude a second light source producing a second light, each of thefirst light and the second light including a different color, whereinthe second light source is a light emitting diode.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the landscape light caninclude a wireless controller. According to yet another exemplaryembodiment, the landscape light can include a ground stake and amounting bracket. According to certain embodiments of the presentinvention, the mounting bracket can be rotatably coupled to the groundstake.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the pattern generationassembly can include a removably mountable slide cartridge. According tocertain exemplary embodiments, the slide cartridge can include at leastone pattern generator. According to yet another exemplary embodiment,the at least one pattern generator can include a plurality of patterngenerators and the landscape light can further comprise a switchconfigured to select between the plurality of the pattern generators.According to certain exemplary embodiments, the slide cartridge can beremovably mountable in the first compartment of the housing.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the landscape light caninclude a light source generating a light, and a pattern generationassembly including a pattern generator secured in a path of the lightsuch that the light passing through the at least one pattern generatoris projected onto a surface in a pattern defined by the patterngenerator.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the landscape light canfurther include a housing which includes a first compartment and asecond compartment. The first compartment may be substantiallyweather-proofed and the second compartment may be in fluid communicationwith an exterior of the housing, and the light source may be disposed inthe first compartment and a heatsink for dissipating heat generated bythe light source may be disposed in the second compartment.

According to certain embodiments, the landscape light can furtherinclude a wheel including an optical element and a motor, wherein amotion of the motor is imparted to rotate the wheel such that therotating wheel imparts movement to the light passing through the patterngenerator such that the projected pattern moves across the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention can be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a landscape light apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective cutaway view of a landscape lightapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a front cutaway view of a landscape light apparatus accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a partially exploded view of a landscape light apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a landscape light apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a landscape light apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a front perspective detailed view of a landscape lightapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a landscape light apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4D is a front perspective partially opened view of a landscapelight apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of a landscape light apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electric candleaccording to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6B is an exploded view of an exemplary electric candle according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a rear perspective view of a landscape light apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a front view of a landscape light apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a top view of a landscape light apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7D is a front perspective partially opened view of a landscapelight apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7E is an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a landscapelight. Specifically, certain exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention provide various new and novel features for a landscape light,such as a landscape light having laser light sources or light-emittingdiode (LED) light sources. Landscape lights according to embodiments ofthe present invention can, for example, be used as interior or exteriorfestive and/or decorative lighting in connection with holidays such asChristmas, Halloween, etc, Additionally, the landscape lights accordingto embodiments of the present invention may be used in place of othertraditional decorative lighting, such as string lights, etc. Althoughthe embodiments of the present invention are primarily described withrespect to a landscape light, it is not limited thereto, and it shouldbe noted that the exemplary apparatus and systems described herein maybe used in connection with any lighting apparatus.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary landscape light 10 accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, landscapelight 10 can include light sources 14 and 16 and lenses 14 a and 16 ahoused within light projector housing 12. Although landscape light 10 isshown in FIG. 1 having only two light source 14 and 16, landscape light10 can include any number and type of light sources. For example,landscape light 10 can include one, two, three, or more light sources.Further, each of the light sources can be any type of light source thatcan produce the type of light desired, such as, for example, lightsources 14 and 16 may include lasers, incandescent bulbs, and/or lightemitting diodes (LEDs). Optionally, light sources 14 and 16 can producelights having the same color. Alternatively, light sources 14 and 16 canproduce lights having different colors (e.g., red, green, white, blue,etc.). Further, as shown in FIG. 1, landscape light 10 can includelenses 14 a and 16 a, which can correspond to light sources 14 and 16,respectively. Lenses 14 a and 16 a can include any type of opticalelement that can manipulate and/or condition the light produced by lightsources 14 and 16 in a desired manner. For example, lenses 14 a and 16 acan include diffractive features (e.g., diffractive holographic optics)configured to disperse the light generated by light sources 14 and 16into a plurality of discrete points of light when projected onto asurface. Lenses 14 a and 16 a can also scatter the light generated bylight sources 14 and 16 so as to lower the power of the light, therebyreducing the potential risk associated with exposure to the light inembodiments where light sources 14 and 16 may include lasers. Accordingto embodiments of the present invention, landscape light 10 can includea single lens for both light sources 14 and 16.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, in operation,landscape light 10 can project light produced by light sources 14 and 16onto a target surface. For example, light produced by light sources 14and 16 may be manipulated or conditioned by lenses 14 a and 16 a and beprojected onto a target surface, such as a wall or other structure. Inan embodiment where lenses 14 a and 16 a include diffractive elementsconfigured to disperse the light generated by light sources 14 and 16,landscape light may project a plurality of discrete points of light ontothe target surface. Landscape light 10 may also include various modes ofoperation. For example, landscape light 10 may include mode where thelights produced by light sources 14 and 16 can be flashed, strobed, orpulsed at predetermined, or randomized intervals. This may be performedby modulating the power delivered to light sources 14 and 16 inaccordance with the desired flashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern.Additionally, landscape light 10 may also a visual effect assembly,which can produce various visual effects using the lights produced bylight sources 14 and 16. For example, visual effect assembly may beconfigured to produce a shimmering effect of the light, a movement ofthe light across the target surface, a “raining” effect of the light,etc. Visual effect assembly may also be configured to produce theflashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern of the light in addition to or inplace of any power modulation techniques utilized to achieve theseeffects.

As shown in FIG. 1, landscape light 10 can also include mounting bracket20, ground stake 22, and power cord 18. Power cord 18 can be connectedto a power supply or transformer (not illustrated). Optionally,landscape light 10 can include a wireless remote control 30, which canenable wireless control of landscape light 10. As shown in FIG. 1,ground stake 22 and light projector housing 12 may be rotatably coupledto mounting bracket 20. This can allow user to aim and adjust thedirection of the light produced by landscape light 10. For example, theangle of light projector housing 12 can be adjusted relative to mountingbracket 20, and mounting bracket 20 can be rotatably adjusted relativeto ground stake 22. Thus, landscape light 10 can be adjusted in twodegrees of freedom to provide nearly a full range of motion ofadjustments. This can enable a user, for example, to adjust and aim thelight produced by landscape light 10 to be projected on various targetseven after it has been staked into the ground.

Additionally, landscape light 10 can include a wireless remote control30 that can enable wireless operation of landscape light 10. Forexample, landscape light 10 can include a wireless transmitter/receiver,which can wirelessly communicate with a remote control 30 to enablewireless operation of landscape light 10. For example, the wirelesstransmitter/receiver can employ radio frequency (“RF”), Bluetooth,and/or WiFi technology to facilitate wireless communication betweenlandscape light 10 and remote control 30. According to certainembodiments, landscape light 10 can be wirelessly operated via remotecontrol 30. For example, remote control 30 can control poweringlandscape light 10 ON and/or OFF, changing the operation of lightsources 14 and 16 (e.g., choosing between having one of light source 14or 16 in an ON condition or having both light sources 14 and 16 in an ONcondition), controlling a visual effect setting (e.g., flashing,movement, shimmering, strobing, etc.), controlling an audio effectsetting (e.g., music, sounds, etc.), controlling a timer setting, etc.Further remote control 30 can indicate and display the current operatingstatus of landscape light 10 (e.g., whether or not landscape light 10 isON or OFF and/or the mode of operation). Optionally, remote control 30can control other features of landscape light 10 described herein,including, for example, created/produced visual effects (e.g., movement,patterns/shapes, flashing etc.), color of the light, operation of thespotlight (e.g., ON/OFF, color, etc.), etc. According to certainembodiments, remote control 30 can be implemented via an app on a mobiledevice such as a smartphone or tablet, or via a web-based application ona computer.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show cut-away views of an exemplary landscape light 210having a visual effect assembly 220 and light source 230 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. Landscape light 210 shownin FIGS. 2A and 2B operate similarly to landscape light 10 shown inFIG. 1. Further, visual effect assembly 220 can create and/or producevisual effects using the light generated by light source 230. Forexample, visual effect assembly 220 can create a flashing, pulsing, orstrobing pattern, a shimmering effect, a movement of the light acrossthe target surface, a “raining” effect, etc. According to certainexemplary embodiments, visual effect assembly 220 may include an opticalelement 222, which may include any optical features (e.g., holographicelements, diffractive elements, patterns, etc.) that can be used tocreate the desired visual effect. Further, optical element 222 may becoupled to a motor, or other articulating element, that can causeoptical element 222 to be articulated in a defined manner, which whencombined with the optical feature of optical element 222, can create thedesired visual effect. As noted herein, visual effect assembly 220 cancreate a flashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern, a shimmering effect, amovement of the light across the target surface, a “raining” effect,etc. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, optical element 222 may include a diskhaving optical features disposed thereon, which can be rotated in frontof light source in the direction of arrow A to create various opticaleffects as the light generated by light source 230 interacts withrotating optical element 222. Although visual effect assembly 220 isshown to include a rotating optical wheel, visual effect assembly 220can include any structure or programming that can enable creating thedesired visual effects of the light.

FIG. 2C shows a partially exploded view of an exemplary landscape light250 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 2C, landscape light 250 can include light sources 252 (e.g., laserlight sources) and visual effect assembly 220. Visual effect assembly220 can include motor 221, connector 223, linkage 224, gear 225 androtating optical element 222. Visual effect assembly may optionallyinclude wheels 229 and coupling element 228. Landscape light 250 mayoperate similarly to the landscape lights described with respect toFIGS. 2A and 2B. For example, light sources 252 may generate one or morelights that are manipulated by visual effect assembly 220 to createand/or product certain visual effects. In one instance, rotating opticalelement 222 can include various optical features that produce a desiredoptical effect, such as, for example, a flashing, pulsing, or strobingpattern, a shimmering effect, a movement of the light across the targetsurface, a “raining” effect, etc., when optical element 222 is rotatedby motor 221. Motor 221 may be coupled to optical element 222 vialinkage 224 and gear 225. Optionally, rotating optical element 222 mayinclude one or more different shapes and/or patterns which allow thelight produced by light sources 252 to be projected in the shape and/orpattern (e.g., Christmas ornament, snowflake, candy cane, Santa Claus,reindeer, butterfly, heart, pumpkin, jack-o-lantern, etc.). Accordingly,when rotating optical element 222 is rotated, the shaped light patternscreated by the shapes and/or patterns disposed on rotating opticalelement 222 can cause the light projected in the shape and/or pattern tomove across the surface onto which the light is projected.

According to exemplary embodiments, rotating optical element 222 can beconfigured to be interchangeable so that a user can interchange rotatingoptical element 222. For instance, rotating optical element 222 may bedesigned to include shapes and/or patterns for a specific holiday, and auser may desire to change rotating optical element 222 for theappropriate holiday. According to an exemplary embodiment, a firstrotating optical element 222 may include only Christmas shapes and/orpatterns (e.g., Santa Claus, snowflake, ornaments, reindeer, candycanes, etc.), a second rotating optical element 222 may includeHalloween shapes and/or patterns (e.g., pumpkin, witch, jack-o-lantern,ghost, etc.), a third rotating optical element 222 may includeThanksgiving shapes and/or patterns (e.g., turkey, Pilgrim hat,cornucopia, etc.), etc. Then, a user may be able to select theappropriate or desired rotating optical element 222 for the desiredshapes and/or patterns to be projected by landscape light 250.

The user may be able to change rotating optical element 222 by openingthe housing of landscape light 250. This may be enabled by configuringthe face of landscape light 250 to be removable from the body to allowthe user to access rotating optical element 222. For example, the faceof landscape light 250 may be coupled to the body of landscape light 250via any coupling mechanism, such as threads, clips, screws, fasteners,etc. Further, landscape light 250 may include a safety mechanism toautomatically turn light sources 252 OFF if the face of landscape light250 is removed. This can ensure that a user is not accidentally exposedto the unattenuated light generated by light sources 252 while the faceof landscape light 250 is detached. This can be accomplished, forexample, by a simple pressure switch, or an electrical connection madewith the face of landscape light 250.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary landscape light 310 according to an embodimentof the present invention. Similarly to landscape light 10 shown in FIG.1, landscape light 310 includes housing 312, light sources 314 and 316,and ground stake 322. Additionally, landscape light 310 includesspotlights 332 and an adjustment mechanism 340. Spotlights 332 mayinclude any type of light source having sufficient power to illuminate adesired area. For example, spotlights 332 may include light-emittingdiodes (LED), halogen bulbs, high-intensity discharge gas lamps, etc.,which may illuminate an area in which the light generated by lightsources 314 and 316 are projected. For example, spotlights 332 mayilluminate a surface such as a wall, and a plurality of discrete pointsof light generated by light sources 314 and 316 may be projected on thewall within the area of illumination. In operation, spotlights 332 maybe configured to be operable in a continuously ON state, a flashing modeof operation, varying levels of brightness/intensity, etc, Operation ofthe spotlights 332 can be in addition to and can augment any visualeffects that can be produced/created as described herein. Further,certain visual effects (e.g., flashing, movement, etc.) can beimplemented on the light generated by light sources 314 and 316 as wellas the light generated by spotlights 332.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, landscape light 310 can include adjustmentmechanism 340. Adjustment mechanism 340 may include any element thatfacilitates adjustment of housing 312 relative to ground stake 322. Asshown in FIG. 3, adjustment mechanism 340 may include a securing element342 and ratcheted teeth 344. Securing element 342 may enable housing 312to be releasably secured in a plurality of positions relative to groundstake 322. Ratcheted teeth 344 may provide engagement mechanisms thatdefine a plurality of positions in which housing 312 can be securedrelative to ground stake 344.

FIGS. 4A-4D show landscape lights 410 and 410 a including patterngeneration assemblies 450 and 450 a, respectively, according to certainembodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, landscapelights 410 and 410 a are similar to landscape light 10, but includepattern generation assemblies 450 and 450 a. Pattern generationassemblies 450 and 450 a can create patterns in the light produced bythe light sources of landscape lights 410 and 410 a, thereby enablinglandscape lights 410 and 410 a to be project light in specific patternsand shapes. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, pattern generationassembly 450 may include pattern generators 452 mounted on a slidecartridge 454. Slide cartridge 454 may be configured to be received incartridge receiving mount 456. Further, each of pattern generators mayinclude a silhouette or outline of a specific pattern. Alternatively,pattern generators 452 can include any shape, pattern, or opticalfeature that can be used to obtain any desired visual effect. Forexample, pattern generators 452 can include shapes such as trees,hearts, angels, snowflakes, butterflies, bells, animals, balloons,jack-o-lanterns, etc. When slide cartridge is installed in housing 412in receiving mount 456, slide cartridge 454 positions and secures atleast one of pattern generators 452 in the path of the light generatedby light sources of landscape light 410. According to certain exemplaryembodiments, slide cartridge 454 may facilitate the mounting of aplurality of pattern generators 452 and slide cartridge 454 may allow auser to select between any of the pattern generators 452 mountedthereon. For example, each of pattern generators 452 may include adifferent pattern, and slide cartridge 454 and/or pattern generationassembly 450 may include a selector to rotate any of pattern generators452 in position to be the active pattern generator.

As shown in HG. 4C, when slide cartridge 454 is installed in housing 412in receiving mount 456, light produced by light source 414 can passthrough at least one of the pattern generators 452 mounted on slidecartridge 454. As light from light source 414 passes through patterngenerators 452, the light may be shaped by the pattern defined bypattern generators 452. Further, slide cartridge 454 and/or patterngeneration assembly 450 may include a selection mechanism so that any ofpattern generators 452 can be positioned and secured in the path of thelight produced by light source 414. For example, a switch or otheractuatable feature/component, can be included that can be configured toenable selection between the various pattern generators included on asingle slide cartridge 454.

FIG. 4D shows another exemplary landscape light 410 a having patterngeneration assembly 450 a. As shown in FIG. 4D, pattern generationassembly 450 a can include pattern generators 452 a. Pattern generators452 a can be positioned in mounting locations 456 a to secure patterngenerators 452 a in the path of the light generated by landscape light410. For example, the mounting of pattern generators 452 a may include athreaded engagement, a tension mount, a clip mount, or any othermounting mechanisms that can secure pattern generators 452 a in the pathof the light generated by landscape light 410 a. Similar to landscapelight 410, as the light generated by landscape light 410 a passesthrough pattern generators 452 a, pattern generators 452 a can createpatterns and shapes as defined by the patterns and/or shapes disposedthereon. Pattern generators 452 a may include any shape, pattern, oroptical feature that can be used to obtain any desired visual effect.For example, pattern generators 452 can include shapes such as trees,hearts, angels, snowflakes, butterflies, bells, animals, balloons,jack-o-lanterns, etc.

FIGS. 7A-D are illustrations of exemplary landscape light 710 accordingto yet another embodiment of the present invention. Landscape light 710shown in FIGS. 7A-D can operate substantially similarly to landscapelights 410 and 410 a shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, however, landscape light 710may include a multi-part housing 712. For example, housing 712 caninclude two, three, four, or more separated compartments. As shown inFIG. 7A, and FIGS. 7C-D, light projector housing 712 can includecompartments 712 a and 712 b. Housing compartment 712 a can house, forexample, the internal components of landscape light 710, such as anynumber and type of light sources 14 and 16, lenses 14 a and 16 a,pattern generation assembly 450, slide cartridge 454, cartridgereceiving mount 456, pattern generators 452, motion generator 717, andswitch 708 and housing compartment 712 b can house heat dissipationcomponents such as heat sinks 721. Further, housing compartment 712 acan include weather-proofing elements to protect internal components oflandscape light 710 from the exterior environment while 712 b can be influid communication with the environment to facilitate heat dissipationand cooling. For example, housing compartment 712 a can includeweather-proofing components to protect the internal components from theexterior environment, such as moisture, dirt, dust, wind, etc., whilehousing compartment 712 b can include vents and/or openings to providefluid communication between the interior of housing compartment 712 band the exterior environment.

According to embodiments of the present invention, housing compartment712 a can include one, two, three, or more light sources 14 and 16.Further, each of the light sources 14 and 16 can be any type of lightsource that can produce the type of light desired, such as, for example,light sources 14 and 16 may include lasers, incandescent bulbs, and/orlight emitting diodes (LEDs). In one embodiment, landscape light 710 caninclude multiple LED light sources (e.g., two, three, four, five, six,or more LEDs). According to embodiments of the present invention, thelight sources may produce a significant amount of heat, especially, forexample, in configurations where many LED light sources are used.Accordingly, housing compartment 712 b can house heat dissipationelements, such as heat sinks 721, that are in thermal communication withthe light sources to facilitate cooling of the light sources. Forexample, the light sources can be mounted on a thermally conductivecomponent (e.g., a metal plate, etc.) that is in thermal communicationwith the heat sinks. Further, housing compartment 712 b can besubstantially open to the exterior environment to enable improved heatdissipation. For example, housing compartment 712 b may include aplurality of vents, slits, or openings 720 to enable free-flowingcirculation of ambient air through the housing compartment 712 b.Further, heatsinks may include a plurality of meal fins, therebyincreasing the surface area that interacts with the ambient air.

As shown in FIG. 7A-D, and specifically in FIG. 7E, landscape light 710can include pattern generation assembly 450. Pattern generation assembly450 can include pattern generators 452 mounted on a slide cartridge 454,and may operate substantially similarly to slide cartridge 454 asdiscussed herein with respect to FIGS. 4A-4D, For example, slidecartridge 454 may be configured to be received in a cartridge receivingmount 456. Further, each of pattern generators may include a silhouetteor outline of a specific pattern. Alternatively, pattern generators 452can include any shape, pattern, or optical feature that can be used toobtain any desired visual effect. For example, pattern generators 452can include shapes such as trees, hearts, angels, snowflakes,butterflies, bells, animals, balloons, jack-o-lanterns, etc. When slidecartridge is installed in housing 712 in receiving mount 456, slidecartridge 454 positions and secures at least one of pattern generators452 in the path of the light generated by light sources of landscapelight 410. According to certain exemplary embodiments, slide cartridge454 may facilitate the mounting of a plurality of pattern generators 452and slide cartridge 454 may allow a user to select between any of thepattern generators 452 mounted thereon. For example, each of patterngenerators 452 may include a different pattern, and slide cartridge 454and/or pattern generation assembly 450 may include a selector to rotateany of pattern generators 452 in position to be the active patterngenerator. According to certain exemplary embodiments, slide cartridge454 may facilitate the mounting of a plurality of pattern generators452, one each for the one or more light sources 14 and 16, For example,each of the pattern generators 452 may include a different pattern orthe same pattern, and slide cartridge 454 may be configured to positionone pattern generator 452 in the path of each of the one or more lightsources 14 or 16.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-D, when slide cartridge 454 is installed in housing412 in receiving mount 456, light produced by the light source can passthrough at least one of the pattern generators 452 mounted on slidecartridge 454. As light from the light source passes through patterngenerators 452, the light may be shaped by the pattern defined bypattern generators 452, Further, slide cartridge 454 and/or patterngeneration assembly 450 may include a selection mechanism so that any ofpattern generators 452 can be positioned and secured in the path of thelight produced by the light source. For example, a switch or otheractuatable feature/component, can be included that can be configured toenable selection between the various pattern generators included on asingle slide cartridge 454. For example, pattern generators 452 can bedisposed on an actuatable component, such as a wheel, etc., such thateach pattern generator 452 can be selected by actuation of the button.Further, slide cartridge may include weatherproofing elements to preventexternal elements from entering receiving mount 456 and a lockingmechanism that can releasably lock slide cartridge 454 when insertedinto receiving mount 456.

According to one embodiment, the brightness of the light sources may becontrolled. For example, landscape light 710 may include a switchdisposed on exterior of housing compartment 712 a which can facilitate auser to control the brightness of the LED light sources 14 and 16 using.The switch (not pictured) can control the brightness of the lightsources 14 and 16 by, for example, controlling the number of lightsources 14 and 16 being powered on, by controlling the electrical powerbeing supplied to the light sources 14 and 16, or any other method knownin the art.

As shown in FIG. 7A-D, according to certain embodiments of the presentinvention, switch 708 may include a rocker switch having three positionsand may be articulated between the various positions by pressing onswitch portion 708 a or 708 b to articulate the switch. According tocertain embodiments of the present invention, switch 708 may bearticulated to an OFF position, in which neither portion 708 a nor 708 bis depressed, and light sources 14 and 16 are in an off condition (i.e.,not generating light) and landscape light 710 is therefore not emittingor projecting any light. In the OFF position, either switch portion 708a or 708 b can be pressed to articulate switch 708 into one of two ONpositions. In a first ON position, landscape light 710 may be operatingin a first operating mode. For example, in an embodiment where lightsources 14 and 16 are producing light and the light and/orpatterns/shape move at a first speed (e.g., slow, fast, etc.). In asecond ON position, landscape light 710 may be operating in a secondoperating mode where the lights and/or shapes/patterns move at a secondspeed (e.g., fast, slow, etc.) that is different from the firstoperating position.

According to embodiments of the present invention, housing compartment712 a can optionally include a motion switch 718, Motion switch 718 maycontrol any visual and/or optical effect that can be produced bylandscape light 710, such as a motion, modulation, or articulation ofthe light produced by light sources 14 and 16. For example, motionswitch 718 may rotate any of pattern generators 452 in position to bethe active pattern generator. Further, motion switch 718 may control thespeed with which pattern generators 452 are rotated. Preferably, patterngenerators 452 may be rotated at a variety of speeds. Alternatively, themotion switch can be configured to allow the user to select between amovement of the lights and/or patterns/shapes and a static display ofthe lights and/or patterns/shapes.

According to embodiments of the present invention, motion switch 718 maycontrol motion generation assembly 750. Motion generation assembly 750may include motor 751 and a wheel 752 including optical elements 752 a(e.g., lenses). Motion generation assembly 750 may control visual and/oroptical effects produced by landscape light 710, such as a motion,modulation, or articulation of the light produced by light sources 14and 16. For example, motion switch 718 may rotate wheel 752, therebyrotating optical elements 752 a. Accordingly, the light passing throughoptical elements 752 a would be articulated by the rotation of wheel752, thereby moving, rotating, dispersing and/or reflect the light,patterns, and/or shapes. According to embodiments of the presentinvention, the motion assembly 750 may be used in conjunction withpattern generators 452. For example, pattern generators 452 may bepositioned between the light sources 14 and 16 and motion assembly 750.In operation, motion assembly 750 may move, rotate, articulate,disperse, and/or reflect the patterns/shapes. Further, motion switch 718may control the speed with which pattern wheel 752 and lenses 752 a arerotated. Preferably, wheel 752 may be rotated at a variety of speeds andlandscape light 710 may include a switch or dial to control the speed ofthe rotation of wheel 752.

According to embodiments of the present invention, housing compartment12 a can include weather-proofing elements to protect switch 708, motionswitch 718, as well as other internal components of landscape light 710from the exterior environment, including weather. For example,weather-proofing elements may include rubber, plastic, and/or sealingelements to make it substantially waterproof, water-repellent,dirt-proof, and the like. According to one embodiment, waterproofingswitch 708 may include a rubber or plastic cover 709 (not pictured) thatcan be disposed over switch 708 and/or motion switch 718. For example,switch 108 can be received within cover 709 to protect switch 708 fromwater and other environmental elements. Similarly, motion switch 718 canbe received within cover 719 to protect switch 718 from water and otherenvironmental elements.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of exemplary landscape light 500 inaccordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 5, landscape light 500 can include laser light sources 502and LED light sources 510 operatively coupled to/within rotatingassembly 520. Further, rotating assembly 520 can include motor 524,connector 526, optical elements 522 and 528. Rotating assembly 520 canalso include various mounts and connectors which can define the rotatingmovement of rotating assembly 520. Optical elements 522 and 528 caninclude various optical features to disperse, reflect, focus, and/orcreate shapes/patterns in the light produced by LED light source 510. Inoperation, laser light sources 502 can project a plurality of discretepoints of laser light onto a surface, as described herein, and LED lightsources 510, in cooperation with rotating assembly 520, can create abackdrop of moving light. For example, laser light sources 502 caninclude green, red, and/or blue lasers, and LED light sources 510 caninclude white LEDs to create a backdrop of falling snow over the coloredlights generated by laser light sources 502. Optionally, landscape light500 can include visual effects assemblies as described herein that cancreate and/or produce visual effects in the light generated by the laserlight sources 502 and/or LED light sources 510. Further, the rate orrotation of rotating assembly 520 can be adjustable.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate cross-sectional and exploded views ofexemplary electric candle 600. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, candle 600can include body 602, first light source 604, and second light source606. Body 602 can be shaped and formed so that electric candle 604 hasthe appearance of a traditional candle. For example, body 602 can bemade from a waxy material and body 602 and be substantially cylindrical,or rectangular, or formed in other desired shapes (e.g., designs,sculptures, characters, logos, etc.). First light source 604 can beconfigured to replicate and/or imitate a flame of a candle and secondlight source 606 can include an optical element so that the second lightsource 606 produces a plurality of discrete points of lights, similar tothe light sources of the landscape lights described herein. For example,first light source 604 can include a light source such as an LED toproduce a soft light to imitate a flame of the candle, and second lightsource 606 can include a laser light source. Second light source 606 canalso include optical element 608, which can include a lens, attenuator,diffractive element, or other optical element, that can scatter thelight generated by second light source 606. Accordingly, first lightsource 604 can be configured to replicate and imitate a flame of thecandle and light source 606 can be configured to generate and project aplurality of discrete points of light on the ceiling of the room inwhich electric candle 600 is positioned. Optionally, first light source604 can be configured to include a flicker to more closely resemble acandle flame. Alternatively, first light source 604 can be configured tocreate patterns and/or shapes, as described herein. Further, secondlight source 606 can also include a visual effects assembly, asdescribed herein, such that the various visual effects can be created inthe light produced by second light source 606 (e.g., moving lights,flashing, shapes and/or patterns, etc.) as described herein.

According to embodiments of the present invention, landscape light 10can include various other features. For example, landscape light 10 caninclude a motion sensor to control operation of the light when motion isdetected. Additionally, landscape light 10 can include a memory, whichcan facilitate programming various operating modes of landscape light10. This programming can be performed via remote control 30. Landscapelight 10 can further include a speaker, and music and audio can bestored on the memory, which can be played via the speaker. For example,landscape light can include holiday music, scary Halloween sounds,Christmas carols, etc. Further, the lights of landscape light 10 can bechoreographed to the audio being played. Additionally, landscape light10 can include a solar power module, enabling landscape light 10 to bepowered by solar energy. Further, landscape light 10 can also include atemperature sensor/thermostat with a heating element. The temperaturesensor/thermostat can measure the ambient temperature and activate theheating element when the ambient temperature falls below a predeterminedthreshold. This can allow the landscape light to operate in cold weatherconditions that could otherwise damage the landscape light. Further yet,landscape light 10 can also include a fan that can prevent moisture fromcollecting within the body of the landscape light. This can prevent, forexample, moisture from building up on the face, lens, etc. of thelandscape light.

The embodiments and examples shown above are illustrative, and manyvariations can be introduced to them without departing from the spiritof the disclosure or from the scope of the appended claims. For example,elements and/or features of different illustrative and exemplaryembodiments herein may be combined with each other and/or substitutedwith each other within the scope of the disclosure. For a betterunderstanding of the disclosure, reference should be had to theaccompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there isillustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

What is claimed as invention is:
 1. A landscape light comprising: ahousing including a first compartment and a second compartment, thefirst compartment being substantially weather-proofed and the secondcompartment being in fluid communication with an exterior of thehousing; a light source producing a light disposed in the firstcompartment; a pattern generation assembly including a removablymountable slide cartridge securing at least one pattern generator in apath of the light such that the light passing through the at least onepattern generator is projected onto a surface in a pattern defined bythe at least one pattern generator; an articulation assembly configuredto articulate the light on the surface onto which the light is beingprojected; and a heatsink for dissipating heat generated by the lightsource disposed in the second compartment.
 2. The landscape light ofclaim 1, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode.
 3. Thelandscape light of claim 2, wherein the light source includes aplurality of light emitting diodes.
 4. The landscape light of claim 1,wherein the articulation assembly includes a motor configured to rotatethe at least one pattern generator such that the motor imparts movementto the light passing through the at least one pattern generator.
 5. Thelandscape light of claim 4, wherein a speed of the movement isadjustable.
 6. The landscape light of claim 2, further comprising asecond light source producing a second light, each of the first lightand the second light including a different color, wherein the secondlight source is a light emitting diode.
 7. The landscape light of claim1, further comprising a wireless controller.
 8. The landscape light ofclaim 1, further comprising a ground stake and a mounting bracket. 9.The landscape light of claim 8, wherein the mounting bracket isrotatably coupled to the ground stake.
 10. The landscape light of claim1, wherein the second compartment includes vents.
 11. The landscapelight of claim 1, wherein the at least one pattern generator includes aplurality of pattern generators and the landscape light furthercomprises a switch configured to select between the plurality of thepattern generators.
 12. The landscape light of claim 1, wherein thepattern generation assembly is disposed in the first compartment of thehousing.
 13. The landscape light of claim 1, wherein the heatsink is inthermal communication with the at least one light source.